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This was an RCT of 4300 women aged between 60 and 80 years old, done as part of the predimed study in Spain which assessed the effects of a mediterranean diet based on fish, extra virgin olive oil and plant foods.

Adherence monitored by dieticians, the patients were randomly designated to one of the following three diets:

A total of 35 patients were diagnosed with breast cancer, divided between the dietary groups as follows:- Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil, 8 patients- Mediterranean diet supplemented with 30 g of mixed nuts daily, 10 patients- Control group of participants on a low fat diet, 17 patients

Patients on the Mediterranean diet with olive oil had a 68% relatively lower risk of breast cancer compared to control group patients

What does this mean for GPs?

This study indicates that a mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of breast cancer. However it had a number of limitations. Despite the large number of participants (around 4300), the number with breast cancer was extremely low (35). In addition the main outcome that the trial was looking at was cardiovascular disease.

The authors admit that the results ‘are based on few incident cases and, therefore, need to be confirmed in longer-term and larger studies’

However in view of other well documented benefits of a mediterranean diet, GPs may consider sharing the findings of this study with their patients (particularly those who may be at high risk of breast cancer) as part of their efforts to motivate patients and provide an incentive to improve their diet in general.